He walked into Forest Pointe Church one day and we quickly became friends. Akeeya T. (A.T.) Pearson has to be one of the most likeable people in the world. With an engaging smile, a smooth Southern California voice, and a spirit that is good as gold, A.T. is as winsome as they come.

Several months later, I received a call from A.T. in distress. His church had flooded and the congregation needed a place to meet. Our church was only too happy to accommodate his flock. Since then, we have connected numerous times.

From time-to-time, I receive telephone calls from A.T. that seem to come just at the right time for me. There is always a word of encouragement and a spirit that says, “We are in this Kingdom work of God together.” On down day, a call from A.T. regularly lifts me up. He does it not just for one, but also for everyone. For him, it is all about “Loving God, Loving People, and Living Life.”

He is servant-pastor of the Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Mount Holly. His passion as an insightful Bible preacher and teacher fuels his desire to “Transform the world with the power of the Gospel.” With this mandate, Pearson has led Mount Sinai to new dimensions in the Kingdom. As a result of his dynamic leadership membership and stewardship in the church have more than doubled within his first year as pastor. With free-flowing worship and spirit-filled preaching Mount Sinai is positioning itself to reach the “unreachable” in Jesus’ name!

A native of Southern California, A.T. has earned three undergraduate degrees (with honors) in Biblical studies, religion, and theology. He also holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology and is scheduled to complete an additional graduate degree in divinity this fall. He is a member of the historic Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, a key and foundational source for his awareness and involvement in community affairs. He has served on various boards of directors and as a volunteer for many community organizations in both California and North Carolina. Most recently, he teamed up with other pastors and Christian leaders as a contributor and consultant to the book: “Our Love is Here to Stay: Inspiring Stories of Lasting Love.”

In addition to all he does in ministry, A.T. makes his mark on the world in multiple dimensions in his work with Cleveland County Schools. He is clearly a man on the move!

Most recently, I saw somebody pull up next to me as I parked to go in for a movie at Regal Cinemas. I recognized immediately that it was A.T. along with his bride of 13 years, First Lady R. Alexis Thornton, and their two beautiful girls, Madisyn Alexis and Carrington Victoria. As I saw them go into the theater after a brief time of catching up, I said to myself , “The world is a better place because A.T. is here.”